THE NSW Marathon Outrigger Canoe Championships will see competitors paddling their way towards victory at Shoal Bay Beach this weekend, 3-4 May.
“It’s heartening to see the support of the local community and its Council [for] this magnificent sport, where all ages can be competitive and enjoy the wonderful land and seascape of amazing Port Stephens,” Race Director Tony Compton said.
Jean Brown said she is excited to participate in the “paddle-powered spectacle” as President of The Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club (PCOCC) because of “the feeling of connection to [the] community and the fitness gained training.
“And the peace experienced being on the water when not racing – because the action is meditative compared to the thrill of competing.”
She said local support helps make this a successful event.
The Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club was established in 1995 by Paul O’Rourke and has an extremely strong social base on and off the water.
Outrigger canoeing is considered an important part of the culture of many Pacific Island nations and there are a number of important traditions that all outriggers are expected to follow.
In Hawaiian tradition, each canoe is a living entity with its own spiritual power or mana.
Outriggers entrust their lives to their canoes and treat them with respect.
Their customs include blessing the canoes during and following construction.
There is also an etiquette to the way the canoes are handled including not stepping over them, not swearing while in the canoe, not sitting on its sides, front or back, and always ensuring the canoe is landed stern first onto the beach.”
The PSOCC said the regatta promises a day of exhilarating competition and community spirit.
It begins around 8am Saturday and Sunday and involves junior, novice, men’s, women’s and mixed races in OC6, OC2 and OC1/V1 canoes, racing in both outside and inside waters.
Clubs from throughout the state and invited clubs from interstate will be participating.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
